NYU Development Research Institute

On Monday, 9th December, the Development Research Institute hosted Ann Bernstein. She spoke on South Africa’s Government of National Unity. She shared the challenges and possible opportunities for the country. The event featured audience interaction which led to contributions and questions.

More pictures here https://www.nyudri.org/events-index/2024/12/9/south-africas-government-of-national-unity-challenges-and-opportunities

Prof. William Easterly
Prof. Yaw Nyarko
Ugochi Obidiegwu

Since the announcement of the South African Government of National Unity (GNU), there has been mixed feelings in and outside the country. To ensure success, it is crucial to understand the challenges and opportunities this presents. Ann Bernstein, founder and executive director of the Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE), South Africa’s leading development think tank will be sharing the challenges and opportunities of South Africa’s government of national unity.

Date: December 9, 2024

Time: 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Location:14A Washington Mews, New York 10003

Register https://www.nyudri.org/events-index/2024/12/9/south-africas-government-of-national-unity-challenges-and-opportunities

Did you miss the launch of Sadek Wahba’s book "Build: Investing in America’s Infrastructure" and the dialogue between Sadek Wahba and Edward Glaeser, moderated by Liz Hoffman?

Catch the replay here
https://www.nyudri.org/events-index/2024/10/10/investing-in-americas-and-the-worlds-infrastructure-with-sadek-wahba-i-squared-capital-and-edward-glaeser-harvard-university

On October 10, 2024 the New York University Development Research Institute (NYU DRI) was honored to host the launch of Sadek Wahba’s book Build: Investing in America’s Infrastructure at a dialogue between Wahba and Edward Glaeser, the renowned urban economist and author of Triumph of the City and The Rise and Decline of Nations, moderated by Liz Hoffman, Business and Finance editor at Semafor and author of Crash Landing: How the World’s Biggest Companies Survived an Economy on the Brink.

The 21st century is well underway, yet many nations, including the U.S., are grappling with outdated 20th-century infrastructure—crumbling roads, bridges, and power systems that threaten lives and stifle economic growth. Despite urgent needs and the potential to build greener, more resilient systems that create opportunities for all, investment has lagged, leaving countries vulnerable to climate risks and decaying structures.

The panel session tackled questions such as: Why is it so hard to deliver major infrastructure projects? Is it economic mismanagement, political short-sightedness, or simply a lack of will? There was also a chance to answer live questions from the audience. The event ended with a book signing session and a reception.

Purchase book https://press.georgetown.edu/Book/Build

We are hosting the launch of Sadek Wahba’s book Build: Investing in America’s Infrastructure to host a dialogue between Wahba and Edward Glaeser, the renowned urban economist and author of Triumph of the City and The Rise and Decline of Nations, moderated by Liz Hoffman, Business and Finance editor at Semafor and author of Crash Landing: How the World’s Biggest Companies Survived an Economy on the Brink.

The 21st century is well underway, yet many nations, including the U.S., are grappling with outdated 20th-century infrastructure—crumbling roads, bridges, and power systems that threaten lives and stifle economic growth. Despite urgent needs and the potential to build greener, more resilient systems that create opportunities for all, investment has lagged, leaving countries vulnerable to climate risks and decaying structures. Why is it so hard to deliver major infrastructure projects? Is it economic mismanagement, political short-sightedness, or simply a lack of will? Our panel will tackle these questions and explore pathways to building 21st-century infrastructure that meets today’s challenges and seizes tomorrow’s opportunities.

RSVP here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-1L9LFnbtr2JbL7mnjfProzM3498kid__mW1b3DRFWzyZ1A/viewform

NYU Africa House is delighted to collaborate with the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) on the conference "Africa AI Blueprint: Building a Sustainable and Inclusive AI Ecosystem. Digitalization, automation, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are revolutionizing prosperity by enhancing daily life through technologies like blockchain, Internet of Things, and 3D printing, which perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence. AI is particularly transformative, driving sustainable development and economic growth across various sectors.

In early 2024, the African Union's High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies (APET) published a White Paper on AI's strategic importance. A Continental AI Strategy adopted in June 2024, aiming to drive Africa’s development and inclusive growth. AUDA-NEPAD is also working on an AI Governance mechanism to address sector-specific applications and policy needs. However, the rise of these disruptive technologies brings risks such as security threats and economic instability, necessitating global collaboration to ensure cybersecurity and digital trust for future generations.

To that effect, the high-level event organized by NYU Africa House and AUDA-NEPAD on the side of the Summit of the Future will address the following:

📍Building a Foundation for Africa’s AI Ecosystem
- Bridging the Infrastructure Gap
- Cultivating Human Capacity
- Fostering Research and Innovation
- Mapping the Future of AI in Africa

📍Addressing Risks, Maximizing Benefits, and Ensuring Ethical Responsible AI
- Mitigating Job Displacement and Economic Disruption
- Ensuring Fairness, Equity, and Inclusivity
- Navigating the Geopolitical Landscape

Register here https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwoceCvrzgtHNCqlrGDECEcvSRSeglPSBfz #/registration

NB: Please note the link is strictly for registration purposes and the event will be held in-person

DRI thanks all participants who joined us at the 2024 Annual Conference themed "Economics after Neoliberalism” on March 25, 2024. We express our appreciation to the speakers Linda G. Mills, President of NYU, who delivered welcome remarks; Lawrence H. Summers (Harvard); Suresh Naidu (Columbia); and moderator William Easterly (NYU).

© Jolly: Courtesy of NYU Photo Bureau

Recent years have seen a fierce debate in both developed and developing countries over economic reforms labeled as neoliberal, such as trade and financial liberalization and macroeconomic stabilization. The consequences of such policies for growth, poverty, and inequality are disputed. Many have suggested that neoliberalism is dead.

Join us for the 2024 DRI Annual Conference themed "Economics after Neoliberalism”. This conference offers new perspectives on this discussion.

📅 Date: Monday, March 25, 2024
🕙 Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm EST (doors open at 9:30am)
📍 Location: Eisner & Lubin Auditorium, Kimmel Center for University Life (4th Floor), 60 Washington Square S, New York, NY 10012

Program Highlights:
• Introductory Remarks by Linda G. Mills, President of NYU
• Panel discussion with renowned speakers- Lawrence Summers & Suresh Naidu, moderated by William Easterly
• Audience Q&A

Register here and secure your spot! https://www.nyudri.org/events-index/2024-dri-annual-conference

🌍💼

NYU Africa House is thrilled to announce funding for research grants! Current NYU students, this is your chance to explore short-term research opportunities with an Africa House Fellowship. Dive into your passion projects and get financial support!

Deadline for applications: March 1st, 2024 (or the date specified on the fellowship page).

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity! See the below image for more details on the flyer or visit: nyuafricahouse.org/fellowships to learn about the diverse fellowships available!

Join us for the inaugural year of what promises to be a thought-provoking annual event Peace and War Between Nations, curated by Guy Sorman. The title is the same as a seminal essay by Raymond Aron, published in Paris in 1965.

A remarkable assembly of contemporary thinkers will come together to debate and explore various topics that touch upon some of the most intractable problems of our time.

For the first installment of Peace and War Between Nations, panelists Adekeye Adebajo, Philippe Etienne, Happymon Jacob, Yaw Nyarko, Yusuke Shimizu, Kenneth Weinstein will discuss "The concept of Global South and its origins: a new conflict risk?"

Date: Tuesday, November 21, 2023
Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm (ET)
Place- La Maison Française NYU and Zoom

Please note that this event will take place in English.
This event is open to all, and accessible in person and online via Zoom.

RSVP (Attend In Person)- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/peace-war-between-nations-tickets-759894724577?aff=oddtdtcreator

Zoom Registration- https://nyu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ffzPIv3CTYiddTJynhh6Xg #/registration

Sessions to follow:
-December 11th : Dangerous Borders: Ukraine, Gaza, Taiwan , China Southern Sea, the Himalaya, Saharan Africa.

-February 26, 2024: A Roadmap Towards Peaceful Coexistence

This event is made possible through generous support from Région Normandie.